Coconut Milk For Children: Advantages And Disadvantages
Coconut milk is a drink that has several health benefits. Experts advise its use in the case of lactose intolerance or allergy to cow’s milk proteins. It is also used regularly in the kitchen. Now, we are going to tell you the secrets of its administration in children.
First of all, it should be noted that during the first year of life the best possible food is breast milk. After 6 months, the spectrum of eatables consumed can be broadened, but it is true that cow’s milk is a better option, at first, than vegetable drinks.
Advantages of coconut milk in children
As we have mentioned, coconut milk, as long as it does not contain added sugars, is a good product. It can be introduced already in the first stages of life, since it provides few calories and a good handful of essential nutrients.
It should be noted that, from the lipid profile point of view, it stands out mainly for its saturated fat content. However, there is no need to worry about their presence. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology , these types of lipids are considered safe and beneficial for the cardiovascular system.
There are even certain tests that affirm the ability of these fats to increase metabolism. However, it is necessary to avoid subjecting them to high temperatures so that they do not transform into trans-type lipids.
On the other hand, it should be noted that coconut milk does not contain lactose, which can be a relief for those children who have developed intolerance to sugar. In any case, it is important to try probiotic treatment in these cases, since it is capable of generating great benefits at the symptomatic level. This is evidenced by research published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
Finally, it should not be forgotten that coconut milk itself contains certain important micronutrients within it, such as B vitamins, vitamin C and some essential minerals.
Disadvantages of coconut milk
Despite being a good substitute for dairy in case these cannot be administered, it is true that coconut milk also has drawbacks. First of all, it is low in protein. In addition, the few that it presents inside are of low biological value. This means that it has limitations in essential amino acids, as well as a poor level of digestibility.
Likewise, it does not have high concentrations of calcium, which is optimal and essential for the good maintenance of bone health, so an inefficient supply of it can be detrimental to the development of bones. In addition, this inefficient intake can lead to a problem in later life stages, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Finally, it is important to note that it does not have riboflavin. Deficiencies in this vitamin do not usually develop, but an inadequate supply of it could impair certain functions of the metabolism. At the same time, when choosing a coconut milk, it is important to make sure that it does not contain added sugars.
When can it be started in children?
Many of the international health organizations recommend not giving coconut milk or other plant drinks to children under 5 years of age. This is due to its content of sugars and additives. Now, if you get a product free of both ingredients, it is possible to include them in the diet earlier.
In principle, from the year of life the body should already be prepared to properly assimilate these foods, as well as the nutrients they contain. Now, it is key to test tolerance. In the case of babies of a few months who have problems with formula milk, the best option is to try hydrolyzed products before with vegetable drinks.
Coconut milk, a food that can be given to children
As you have seen, coconut milk can be administered to children without major problems. However, as a general rule, it is not recommended to substitute cow’s milk for this drink, since from a nutritional point of view it is not so dense. Also, it is important to check the labeling before purchasing the product to discard those that contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
